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Blanche Thebom Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Blanche Thebom
5 Entries
Earl McCarroll
April 23, 2010
I was at that same performance of "Aida" in Memphis. Milanov and Del Monaco planted themselves and sang like angels, but Thebom was such a riveting actor, as well as gorgeous singer, the piece became all about Amneris. I was 14. She changed my life -- greatly for the better. I wonder that the NY Times obit did not mention her historic recording of "Tristan" with Flagstad and Melchior, something of which she was most proud.
Donna Chaban-Delmas
April 22, 2010
A great loss. When I was 8 years old, my parents took me to the S.F. Opera House to hear Ms. Thebom in concert. Afterward, we headed to the stage entrance awaiting her exit and for an autograph. She emerged in her long, gorgeous evening gown, her hair in luxurious braids with a beaded hat that she referred to as her "yarmulke", came over to me and signed my program as a photographer from The Chronicle took our photo - I still to this day 60 years later treasure these. Then after signing others' programs, she dramatically waved to the crowd, swept her long gown into an awaiting LITTLE yellow MG-1500 TF and drove off in the night.
When she moved to San Francisco's Potrero Hill about 15 years ago, to teach at San Francisco State, I contacted her and she actually recalled that evening in 1949. Her comment - "I just do not know how I ever got that dress and all its crinoline petticoats into that car and managed to drive without killing myself."
Wonderful memories of a grand lady and diva.
Donna Chaban-Delmas
April 22, 2010
A great loss. When I was 8 years old, my parents took me to the S.F. Opera House to hear Ms. Thebom in concert. Afterward, we headed to the stage entrance awaiting her exit and for an autograph. She emerged in her long, gorgeous evening gown, her hair in luxurious braids with a beaded hat that she referred to as her "yarmulke", came over to me and signed my program as a photographer from The Chronicle took our photo - I still to this day 60 years later treasure these. Then after signing others' programs, she dramatically waved to the crowd, swept her long gown into an awaiting LITTLE yellow MG-1500 TF and drove off in the night.
When she moved to San Francisco's Potrero Hill about 15 years ago, to teach at San Francisco State, I contacted her and she actually recalled that evening in 1949. Her comment - "I just do not know how I ever got that dress and all its crinoline petticoats into that car and managed to drive without killing myself."
Wonderful memories of a grand lady and diva.
Rick Brown
April 10, 2010
Ms. T changed the direction of my life and I have been so grateful. It was a pleasure working with and knowing her. She was one of Gods most beautiful creations. Rest in peace Ms. T. The world will not be the same without you. Love, Rick Brown
Bobbie Sue Hood
March 28, 2010
Blanche Thebom introduced me to a new world of opera and art at a performance in 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee. My music teacher in the 8th grade (another example of why all public schools need music programs to achieve excellence in other subjects) at Pulaski Heights Junior High in Little Rock told us about the Metropolitcan Opera from New York giving a performance in Memphis, only 140 miles away. This was a three hour drive before the interstate. My mother, always game, bought great seats for us third row center. We drove in our Cadillac convertible, stayed at the Peabody Hotel with ducks in the lobby, dressed to the nines, ate a large dinner, and went to the performance. Blanche Thebom sang Aida. It was so breathtaking that I glanced over to see how my mother and sibblings felt. They were all asleep. I was breathless - transformed by the gorgeous singing, scenery, lights, acting, and story. I had always loved music and art but I saw for the first time that art can transform the world -that art can literally change how we see the world and act in it. Thank you Blanche for your magnificent performance and remarkable voice. What a gift you had, and how generously you shared it with us lesser mortals.
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